Australia have been dealt with a huge blow ahead of the upcoming 2026 WT20 with pacer Pat Cummins ruled out due to injury. Pat Cummins last played in the third Ashes Test and has not played any game since
that. Despite that Australia were confident that he would make it to the World Cup even if he is not initially fit, he could play a part in the later stages. But the bad news is out as Pat Cummins is now ruled out for the T20 World Cup. Left arm pacer Ben Dwarshius will replace him in the squad. Another change has been made by the selectors to the original squad with Matt Renshaw replacing Matthew Short. There is still no place for Steve Smith despite his heroics in the BBL.
Speaking about the move to replace Short with Renshaw, Australian selector said it was done keeping in mind the recent form of Short and also the left-handed option that Renshaw provides. “With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play programme in the early phase of the tournament. As a left-hander, he also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting.” Said Australian selector Tony Dodemaide
Renshaw made his T20I debut just a few days back in Pakistan but he has been in great form in white ball cricket having done well for Brisbane Heat in the recently concluded BBL. He also did well in the ODI series against India showing that his form is good. Matthew Short was dismissed cheaply in the first T20I and his struggles against spinners has been obvious.
Another interesting thing in the squad is the absence of a specialist back up wicket-keeper. Josh Inglis is the designated wicket-keeper and Glenn Maxwell is said to be the backup despite not having done it in the past. The upcoming T20 World Cup starts on February 7.
Australia Squad T20 World Cup:
Mitchell Marsh ©, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
